Roof replacement or repair is a significant investment. There’s nothing more important than the structural integrity of your home. You want to make sure your contractor is doing the job right at a fair price. When it comes to providing an estimate, you need precise information to make an informed decision. When you get an estimate, you need to know what you’re looking at so you can compare apples to apples. If you’re working through your insurance company, you should also be transparent with your contractor about insurance quotes to outline the scope of the job.
What Are The Elements of A Roofing Quote?
The two biggest elements of your roofing estimate are labor and materials. But there are other essential items your quote should cover.
Labor costs are usually factored into the installation part of the proposal rather than listed separately. As most consumers know, labor costs in Northern Virginia are higher than in many other areas. If you have questions about labor costs, your contractor should be happy to break them down for you.
Materials costs go beyond new shingles. Your contractor’s estimate should cover:
- Details on the type, color, and brand of shingles you have selected.
- Size, material, and manufacturer of the underlayment between your decking and shingles.
- Type and number of roof vents.
- Materials information (including manufacturer) for flashing around vents and pipes, trim and ice, and water shield.
Other costs. In addition to these essential materials, your estimate should cover:
- Details about removing your current roof, including removing rotting or damaged decking if needed.
- Will your roofer be hand nailing or air nailing the shingles onto your roof?
- Plan for protecting your home and landscaping from damage, including labor and materials.
- Clean up and landfill fees at the end of the job.
When you get a quote from a Northern Virginia roofing contractor, keep in mind that labor shortages and the cost of living raise labor costs in our region. Supply chain issues have raised prices on building materials. Your contractor can explain the impact of both of these and how it affects your estimate.
What Terms and Conditions Should My Roofing Estimate Include?
In addition to pricing, your estimate should cover the following:
- Warranties should cover materials and the company’s work.
- Indicate when the estimate expires. Because of ever-changing materials and labor costs, every assessment should include a deadline.
- Outline your right to withdraw from the contract. Virginia law allows consumers to withdraw from a contract before midnight on the third business day after signing.
Should I Show Insurance Quotes or Estimates to My Roofer?
You should (and in most cases must) show your insurance company’s quote for replacement or repair to your contractor. Here’s why:
- It lets your contractor know the scope of work your insurance company has approved.
- It gives you a better sense of your budget and helps you communicate with your contractor.
- It ensures that everything is above board with your insurance company and that you are not inadvertently committing insurance fraud by holding back money approved for your new roof.
- Many insurance companies require you to share the estimate with your contractor, so read insurance documents carefully.
Roofing Estimates: Communication is Key
When it comes to your roofing estimate, communication is vital, and it’s a two-way street. Your contractor should be transparent about pricing and break it down, so it’s easy to understand and compare. On the consumer side, be transparent about your insurance quote. Remember, an estimate starts with a document but goes beyond that into a conversation. Sit down with your contractor and go over the estimate. DryHome Roofing & Siding has built a reputation for reliability, workmanship, and transparency over four decades. We’re always happy to answer clients’ questions and clarify any items they don’t understand. We’re also a recommended contractor for many insurance companies. We know the ins and outs of the process and how to meet your needs based on your insurance company’s quote. Our quotes may not be the lowest you’ll get, but satisfied clients agree that our high-quality materials and experienced team provide real value. At DryHome, it’s all about transparency and trust.
